April Beauty Favorites.

Hello, my dear friends!
I thought that this post was not going to happen tonight, since I caught some sort of cold/flu, but I worked out in spite of the sickness, and felt a little better.
So, I did not do a March favorites simple because I used the same exact products as I used in February, and did not try anything new.
In April though, I ran out of mascara and wipes, plus changed up my products a little and have a brand new list of favorites for you;)
Let's begin!
1. My absolute favorite old time Shiseido Multi-Shade enhancer. I always come back to this bronzer when I'm a little tan. It's a LOVE FOREVER! even though, I'm always looking for new products to try out;). {Nordstrom $36}
2. ELF eye shadow duo in Mocha Swirl. I use the lighter color for highlight or all over the lid with the darker color in the crease. {eyeslipsface.com $1}
3. Maybelline One By One volume mascara. I hate plastic brushes, but this one is really nice. Separates lashes very well, gives them volume and length. And is super black. {Target $6}
4. MAC eyeshadow in Haux. Such a lovely crease color. It's matte, but I do see a little tiny tiniest shimmer. Maybe I'm imagining it or maybe it's there. {MAC counter $14}
5. My old beat up eyelash curler from WalMart by MaxFactor. I bought this years ago. And I know, I need to get a new one, but every time I am about to get one, I feel bad throwing this one out. It's been with me for so long. I will miss it;) { it was probably $3}
6. Bare Minerals foundation in color medium. I don't know why I use this foundation in color light before. It is definitely not my match, but medium looks flawless on me. I've been using it every single day in the months of April, and I cant get enough. {Sephora.com $25}
7. Yes to blueberries facial wipes. I love my yes to cucumbers wipes, but decided to get these instead and try them out. Yes to Blueberries is age refining collection from Yes!, and I love them just as much as the other ones I use. And they smell very fresh!
8. My new obsession in nail color is this baby blue nail polish from Brucci. The name of this color is Kathy's baby blues. It's so pretty!!! and all you need is 2 coats. {Rite Aid $4}
9. Seche Vite dry fast top coat. Works like MAGIC!!! Ever since I started using this top coat, it takes me less than 10 min to do my nails. And I am out the door!!!{ local beauty supply store $10, but I also saw it in Target for $10}
10. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails base coat. I usually buy Sally Hansen base coats, they are very good. And this one was {$2 at Rite Aid.}
Swatches of the nail polish:

February Favorites

Yay! It's March!!! And I am only few days away from my vacation! Before I leave, I will make sure to please you with some interesting posts. And as I usually do at the beginning of each month, today is the day for monthly favorites.

This past month, I used a lot of old products, but I also have experienced some new things, which if you recall, I bought from sephora in the first week of February.

1. Shiseido Multi shade enhancer. So, I used up my Smashbox bronzer and moved on to this one. I have been loving this bronzer for over 4 years now. And this is my second one. I love it.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch. I use this for my dark under eye circles, and It does wonders. It is very easy to blend in and feels very smooth. The only thing that I do not like about this product is the packaging; I'm not a big fan of pen like products.

3. Lush "It's Raining Men" shower gel. This stuff smells like heaven!!!!!!! And leaves my skin smooth and moisturized. I bought 2 bottles of this, cause I believe it was a limited edition. Not sure though, let me know in the comment box if I am mistaken.
4. Boscia make up break up oil. This is the first time I used oil to remove my make up. I paid $10 for this little bottle at Sephora, and am going back to get more once I'm out of this. It removes makeup like no other cleanser I have ever used. It's pretty amazing to me, how oil removes makeup, and leaves my face oil free. Try it!!!
5. Epicuren Apricot scrub. I did not use this product since fall, and few weeks ago I decided to exfoliate my face the old way, with some scrub. I fell in love with this product all over again. Leaves skin so smooth, that I can't even explain how smooth. Unfortunately, Epicuren products are only available through the registered sellers, but if you have one near you, I recommend you try something from them. They are amazing!!!

6. Maybelline Define-A-Lash volume mascara. I have to say that maybelline has some great mascaras. I have the newest too, it's called One by One, but I haven't used it enough to say much about it. This one, on the other hand, is my love. Love the formula of it.
7. Urban Decay Naked palette. That's all I've been using this whole month, I swear!!! It's wonderful! Thanks, Katia for giving me such an awesome gift!!!!
8. Urban Decay Primer Potion. I love this stuff! works like magic! For me it gives no creasing for more than 12 hours.
9. Mac eyeliner pencil in Teddy. Just a nice brown liner; goes on smoothly, without tagging on the lid, and good lasting power as well.

10. Mac Cremesheen lipstick in Creme Cup. I decided to take a little break from Hue. This is a more of a pink alternative of Hue.
11. Nivea Kiss of Moisture lip care stick. Use it every single night before I go to sleep, and then I wake up with a fresh, smooth, and moisturized lips. and it's only $2 at Target!!!

That's it for my Febuary favorites. For me this months felt rather long, even though it only had 28 days. (did anyone watch that movie? the 28 days, it was scary!!!). I think I will bring all of these with me on my vacation. Plus, my Lancome Teint Idole foundation! Cause I can't live without it. I didn't include it in this post, just because I included it in so many of my previous monthly favorites. You know, I like it!

Have a great Friday!

And I will see you soon!!!

xoxo, Olya

My January Favorites

Oh my gosh! This is probably the first time I'm actually doing monthly favorites right on the first day of a new months. Cause you know, usually I'm like one week off. So, this is pretty exciting for me!

This months was amazing with some new products that I have discovered along with all old products that I continue to love. Lets get started!

1. Epicuren - Acidophilus Probiotic Face cream(this bottle 30ml was about $20). Just another fantastic product from Epicuren. I truly believe that this line is amazing and everytime I try something new, I love it. This cream helps to calm skin and rid it of any inflamation from blemishes.

2. Epicuren Noni Hermal Elixir anti-oxidant( about $20). I use it after I wash my face and it makes it very tight and smooth. On the bottle it says that it helps to recover skin from sun burn or wind damage. Great in this cold weather that we are having on the NE coast.

3. Lancome Teint Idole Foundation($32). You all know I love this stuff! I'm going back and forth with the Mac Prolong wear foundation, but this one is still a winner for me. It gives me more natural look, where Mac prolong wear is truly LONG WEAR foundation. I did purchase this Lancome foundation in a lighter shade for the winter(buff 4C), cause Buff 5C was getting a little too dark for my pale face.

4. Yes To Cucumbers Daily Gentle Cleanser($6). I bought this cleanser because I ran out of my Epicuren Citrus cleanser and had to wait for the new one to arrive for sometime. And I have to say, that this one is really nice too. The best thing about it - it smells very soothing and refreshing. I really enjoy using it in the morning.

5. Lush Charity Pot body cream(Lush special- $5). I have to warn you that this product is extremely greasy, but it is very good during these skin drying winter months.

6. Lancome Virtuose mascara ($24)- My old time favorite. I am trying to use the products that I have with out buying new one, and since I have another backup of this mascara already I still need to finish this one. I love the curved brush! and there is never any fall out!

7. Mac eyeliner pencil in Teddy($14). In my opinion it is the best shade of brown that I have tried so far. I keep going back to it, when I get sick of my regular black.

8. Benefit Creaseless cream eyeshadow in Birthday Suit($18). OMG! I love this shadow! It cannot be compared to Mac's paint pots, because it is way better! and I honestly used it every single day from the day I got it, which was the first week of January. And it smells like cake, I really like it!

9. As you might know, my eyelids are very sensitive to eye makeup removers. I tried so many ( about 10 different ones) and the one I was using lately was Lancome, which works very well. But the price of it is killing me($24) and it goes so fast! I usually finish that bottle in 1 months or less. SO... for Christmas I got a bottle of Mary Kay eye make up remover. And I have to say that this is THE BEST eye make up remover that I have tried! It works like magic! I don't know how will I repurchase, since I do not know any sellers that are near me, but I will have to figure it out somehow. Soulmate!(do not know the price, but heard it was about $12-15)*

10. Smashbox Light Fusion bronzer/highlighter. I have had this thing for 1.5 year and it is almost done. I really like the glow it give me and unlike my Shisheido bronzer is not as dark, so for winter when I'm pale it's perfect. I will be repurchasing this thing at sephora for sure.

I hope you enjoyed this January's favorites. And maybe you will try some of these things and will love them as much as I do! If you will, let me know!!!

XOXO, Olya

* the bottle of Mary Kay in the picture is not their original size, this is the travel size. I believe the original size (bigger than the one in the picture) is $15.

December 2010 Favorites!

Months of December was great! I got to try a lot of new products and some of them I am still checking out. But here are my new great discoveries, and some of them are REALLY GREAT!

1. EOS - lip balm($3.50 Rite Aid). Perfect lip conditioner to use in the morning right before getting your make up done. It softens lips just the right way.
2. Seche Vite -dry fast top coat( $10 beauty supplies stores). This top coat is insane! it works like magic! Remember I used to use Orly "in a snap"? Well, I still use it when I have more time to spend drying my nail, otherwise, it's SECHE VITE!
3. Seaweed Mattifying day cream ( $16 at the Body Shop). Oh the smell of this produc is what got me in the store! it has a very clean and fresh smell. On top of that it mattifies my skin. And even though it is winter and my skin is sort of dry, it still has that T-zone oil. With this day cream it minimizes the shine. Over all, great cream that give moisture and mattifies.
*** I noticed that, as long as I do not touch my face, it stays shine free, but if I rub it, in those spots I start seeing shine first.
4. Korres lip butter ($10 Sephora). This is such a good lip conditioner for winter. It's light weight and lasts pretty long time on lips and as a product. I've had mine for few months now and my jar is only 1/3 done. Plus it's not one of those sticky type of butters. I recommend you try it.
5. Clinique Even better clinical dark spot corrector ($49.50 Sephora). I bought this cream about 6 weeks ago. and have been using it on my acne scars and red blemishes that stay on my face forever long after the pimple is gone. I definitely saw a result in color change. Red spots are almost gone, and dark sun spots that I have are looking lighter. Plus I did not use it religiously, maybe 5 days out of 7 per week. I need to do a better job keeping up with it. Overall - amazing for acne scars!
6. Mac Pro Long Wear Lipcream in color Over Time. ($16 mac counter). I like this lipstick a lot due to its long lasting matte effect. You could top it with some lipgloss for shine , but I prefer it matte. It's very pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
7. Essie's Damsel in a dress nail polish. ($8 beauty supplies store). This would not be a favorites post without a new nail color obsession of mine. This color is my new essential winter color. It was great over the holiday season! Look for swatches at the end of this post.
8. Mac Pro Long Wear SPF 10 Foundation (29.50 Mac counter). "A long-wear foundation that gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition. Lightweight and creamy, applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage". I really like this foundation for: its matte finish, and long lasting power! It's on all day and I don't see any patches through the day. I am still using my Lancome Teint Idole though, because sometimes Mac pro long wear is too much coverage. And it requires more time to remove it at night.
9. Lancome Blush Subtil in color Miel Glace ($30-35 Lancome counter or Sephora). Perfect blush for holiday season! It's got a little bit of a highlight effect and gives face a some sun tint. I actually have about 4 of Lancome's blush subtils and I love them. This is an oil free formula, which is perfect for me, since my skin is acne prone.

here are some swatches:

November Favorites.

I had taken these picture to have the monthly favorites on time, but I've been ... busy... what else is new.

But lets get staright to the post:

1. Yes to Cucumbers facial towelettes. I just finished the second pack and went to Target to get 2 new ones. I cant get enough! I use it every night to remove my make up before I cleanse my face with Clarisonic.
2. Proactive spot treatment lotion. Everytime I feel like a pimple is coming up, I just put some of this in that area and it decreases the life of the acne. Sounds gross, but I know many people suffer with acne, or periodic pimple or two.
3. Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover. Just finished this sampler and yesterday bought the full bottle. This thing is pricy, but it works for me and doesn't irritate the skin around my eye.
4. Moroccan Oil hair treatment. I bought a little bottle (25ml) to try it out and already know I will be back at the store to get more. I use it everytime I get out of the shower on wet/damp hair. It leaves my hair shiny and healthy looking. And my hair feels fuller and thicker. So, I like.
5. Maybelline Dream Mouse concealer. In October I used the other Maybelline concealer ( Mineral one), and I liked it a lot, but this one is sooo good! I really like it! I use a concealer brush for it though, so it is a little messy. My shade is Light 4-5.
6. Loreal Secret professional make up base. I can't say enough things about it. I really like it.
7. Loreal Double Extend mascara and Lash serum. I've been usung it since November 7th, every night I use the lash serum and during the day I use the mascara. I can't say that I'v eseen dramatic difference, but I did see some improvement in my lashes. They are fuller. I will continue using this for the next few more weeks and then I will do a full review.
8. MAC velvet eyeshadow in Mulch. Perfect brown, with a little bit of shimmer.
9. ELF studio Powder Brush. I am back to this brush, because it is really my favorite of all time. I love this brush for applying liquid foundation. It takes seconds for perfect application. Time saver for sure.
10. ELF studio Concealer Brush. Love this brush with the maybelline dream mouse concealer.
11. MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Creme Cup. You guys know how much I love Hue, and this one is also in the nude family but a little bit on the pink side. I decided to use this one just to change things up.
12. MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipglass. I'm not the one to use lipglosses a lot but I do like this one. I have the Viva Glam Gaga lipstick too and sometimes I feel like it's too pink, especially if it's winter and you don't have that summer tan to compliment it. SO for the winter skin lipgloss is my choice. It's more sheer and not too pink. The consistency of this product is nice too" smooth, moisturizing.

Swatches: MAC Mulch eye shadow, Viva Glam Gaga lipglass, Cremesheen lipstick in Creme Cup.

~MAC~ Venomous Villains

Ok, so these mineralize eyeshadows were sold out at my MAC counter the first day they came out. I actually got the last 2. Lucky me. Lol. I know it's silly, but I really wanted them. I also got the lipstick, cause I'm obsessed with nude lips and one more nude lipstick will not hurt me (the packaging looks cute).

I thought that I would buy more things but I only got 3 items from the limited collection and invested some money in an angled blush brush.

What I got: Mineralize eye shadows in "She Who Dares" and "My Dark Magic"; Cremesheen lipstick in "Innocence, Beware!"

If you had a chance to get anything from this collection please share.

XOXO, Olya

September beauty favorites.

This month I found some really good products that will stay in my cosmetic bag for a while. And there are some repeats. I will try to make this sweet and short:)

1. Proactiv Repairing Lotion. Spot acne treatment that works like magic.

2. Lancome eye makeup remover. It's really gentle and unlike other oily makeup removers did not cause an allergic reaction.

3. Teint Idole fresh wear Lancome foundation. It promices 18 hours of shine free look. Of course it doesn't last that long, but the thing that I love about it is that it goes on smoothly and leaves my face looking fresh and natural.

4. Epicuren Colostrum cream. One little drop of this cream moisturizes entire face without leaving it greasy.

5. Urban Decay All Nighter long lasting makeup setting spray. Keeps my makeup flawless throughout the day. I really like it!

6. Matrix Sleek. Look Smoothing system - Step 4 Sealing Serum. Great to keep those flyaways tamed.

7. MAC lipstick in Jazzed. I love this color with my tan skin. Summer gave me a nice glow and it looks nice, without overpowering orange tint.

8. Sally Hansen Diamond strength no chip base coat. I switched to this one from Revlon one, and I like it, cause it dries faster.

9. Essie's Lollipop nail polish. PERFECT bright red.

10. Some regular and cheap eyelash curler. It made it to this list because i've been using it every day this entire month. And I like it.

11. Loreal Secrets professional primer. It was on my list last month too and I have to say it works very well. What it does is minimizes the appearance of pores and gives make up a good base.

12. ELF duo eyeshadow in Mocha Swirl. I mentioned it few times and it is on my all time favorites.

This is it for the months of September. I hope this will help you guys to get more idea about some products that you might have wanted to try.

XOXO, Olya

Outfit of the day.

Dear Blogger! I know I have been abandoning you for this whole week. But if I come up with one decent excuse it would definately be: "working hard for the money". I promise to be good again:)

Tonight I had a great night out with my girls. It's been too long since our last meet up. But it's always fun to catch up with each others lives and have few drinks.

P.S. orit brought these delicious cupcakes. I ate mine when I got home. Have any of you ever heard of "Crumbs" bake shop? I haven't but it's sooo gooood...

I wore: top- from local butique, pants- from ZARA, flats - Juicy Couture, necklace- Pandora.

p.s. I'm wearing MAC Jazzed lipstick from "In the groove" collection.

p.s.s. it was weird wearing flats. That's the first time ever!

Make up favorites for the month of August.

I know, I'm always late with my monthly favorites, but i still want to do them . Especially this month, because I found some really cool new products!

1. Dolce&Gabanna Light Blue parfume - THIS IS A PARFUME OF A MENEATER:)
2. Nivea chapstick with SPF 25. Worked great at the beach. BUT... cannot find it anywhere in US:(((
3. L'Occitane hand cream in Cherry Blossom scent. Love this scent so much!!!
4. Define-Lash by Matbelline. I have to say that this mascara separates lashes like no other, therefore, it's on my favorites list. But I still love my Loreal Voluminous mascara.
5. Sephora Heated Eyelash Curler. Works really good. But I will need to replace mine soon. I've had it for over a year. (sanitary reasons).
6. H&M nail polish in White. Perfect for the beach as well as a night out.
7. Loreal Studio Secrets professional magic perfecting base. I love it!!! I gave my MAC prep and prime a rest, since I got this product. Works like Magic.
8. Lush Sweet Lips lip scrub. It's just a sugar thing. And I'm not sure what's so special about it, but I feel like I need to use it everyday. Good idea to create a lip scrub, Lush!!!
9. Again my Loreal HD lip balm in Plush. Almost done with it. Will repurchase as sson as it comes back to stock in my local Target.
10. MAC tinted lip conditioner. I like that it gives my lips a little bit of color. And it's non sticky.
11. URBAN DECAY Primer Potion. Seriously, I cannot live without this thing! Try it, if you haven't.
12. It's a 10 (hair product) here's what it does:
repairs dry and damaged hair
adds shine
detangles
controls frizz
seals and protects hair color
prevents split ends
stops hair breakage
creates silkiness
enhances natural body
flat iron and thermal protector
If that's not enough for you, here is another great thing about it: Smells like heaven!!!

13.And last but not least my URBAN DECAY NAKED palette. OMG!!! I love this palette. I use it every single day from the day I got it on August 1st!!! Thank you, Katya!!!

I hope you enjoy this post and let me know what are your favorites for the month of August!
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I went shopping today...

Yes, I went shopping today... Mainly because last Monday I lost my Tiffany earrings at the beach. I know, I'm really stupid to wear any type of jewelry to the beach, but I totally forgot to take them off. And this huge wage came at me and after that... good bye, my favorite Tiffany earrings. So... because I liked them so much and they were a gift from Nazar, I went to Tiffany's and got them. Except now they are $25 more, than they used to be... yeah, I'm stupid. But lesson learned:) AND, I took these pictures of the cutest wrapping that they do for their customers!

I also got few other things: Madewell 1937 harrem pants (on sale for $16), MAC blending brush (#224), MAC tinted lip moisturizer, and L'Occitane soap and lotion pack "Cherry blossom" scent.

p.s. I also tried on Hunter rain boots and they do not fit me right:( I was kind of upset, but it's ok, at least now I will not spend $125 on rainboots:)

xoxo, Olya